Dining Out With Kids
When I became a mom I vowed I would still eat at my favorite restaurants. For the most part we’ve managed to keep that goal but with a bit of adjusting. St. Louis is an incredibly family-friendly city and that means there are numerous restaurants where kids are not only welcomed but celebrated.
Lots of restaurants have a kid-friendly atmosphere but my goal is to share the restaurants where kids can enjoy a meal and just as importantly, so can parents.
First a few tips to make your dining experience more enjoyable.
Arrive Early – Dining early is often better for a child’s schedule but it also means a less crowded restaurant. Less wait time for antsy kids and less disruption for other diners.
Order Kids Food First - Look at the menu before hand and get an idea of what your child might eat. Always check the appetizer and sides part of the menu if you don’t want to go the traditional kids menu route (or if a restaurant doesn’t have one). Order their food first to help ease hunger.
Bring Activities - Keep a restaurant bag handy with quiet toys to play with at the table. You can find my favorites below. If you use screen time, don’t be afraid to use it at the table. Parents deserve an enjoyable meal and it’s tough to ask a child to sit still for an extended period of time.
Here are a few of our family’s favorite spots in St. Louis where kids feel welcome and parents can eat delicious food.
